Ownership Change at Sears Trostel

In 1929, Carl Trostel founded our first store on Linden Street and supplied lumber and building materials to the growing Northern Colorado construction industry. In 1948, Carl’s son-in-law, Bob Sears, took over operations of the business, and for the next 30 years ownership remained with the Sears family. Then in 1981, Curt Viehmeyer and Steve Schwartz, employees of Sears Trostel Lumber, purchased and began to transform the company.

Recognizing a growing need for quality hardwood lumber and sheet good products along the Front Range, they restructured the company to better meet demand, as well as introduced custom moulding and millwork services. In the early 1990s, our 40,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art lumber distribution and moulding manufacturing facility opened on Airpark Dr., and at the end of 2004 the retail store moved to its current Riverside Ave. location, offering more space to move and grow.

Now, 43 years since taking the helm, Curt & Steve have passed the baton to new Sears Trostel owner, David Seidl, a Fort Collins entrepreneur and native. A graduate of Colorado State with undergraduate and MBA degrees, he has worked closely with small and mid-sized companies during his career, helping them grow their businesses.

“We are pleased to see Sears Trostel enter this new phase under David’s leadership,” Curt and Steve said in a joint statement. “His commitment to his hometown community and business experience make him an ideal candidate to move the company forward.”

“I am truly honored to take the reins of Sears Trostel,” David said. “This company has been a vital part of our community for nearly a century, thanks to the dedication of Curt and Steve. Staying true to the values that have made Sears Trostel a trusted name, our focus will remain on delivering exceptional quality and service to our customers, as well as exploring new opportunities for innovation and growth.”

While leadership has changed, business at both locations will carry on with the same great staff and service you know. To help insure a smooth transition, even Curt and Steve will continue working in their current capacities for the next year.

Help us welcome David and a new chapter for Sears Trostel!

Source: Sears-Trostel Lumber Co.